Get a New Travel Signature

Getting a travel signature from an OGS advisor is easy. If the signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 will be more than a year old by the time you reenter the US, you need to get a new signature before you travel. For students on post-completion Optional Practical Training, the travel signature is only valid for six months. And remember, the US government determines your eligibility to enter the US. Be prepared and have the needed travel documents with you.

In New York City

Bring these documents to the OGS advising hours and ask for a travel signature. Note current OGS Advising Hours in the Contact Us page.

STEP 1

Check your I-20 or DS-2019 if you have it with you.

The travel signature on page 3 of your most recent I-20 (on page 2 of I-20s issued after June 29, 2015), or on the right lower side of your DS-2019 is valid for 12 months. You may still have a valid signature. If you do not, continue to step 2.

STEP 2

Request a Form I-515A at the US immigration crossing.

If you must reenter the US in less than a week, respectfully request that the officer at the US immigration crossing allow you to enter with Form I-515A. This gives you a thirty-day admission as an F-1 or J-1 student, and requires you to report to the OGS within that time frame to secure the required travel signature.

To qualify for the Form I-515A, you must have a valid passport, valid F-1 or J-1 visa, and your I-20 or DS-2019 (the officer may allow you to enter without your I-20 or DS-2019 at his/her discretion).